Global Prevalence of RNA-Positive Horses for Hepacivirus (EqHV): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Bezerra Camila de Sousa, Limeira Clécio Henrique, Monteiro Dos Anjos Denize, Nogueira Denise Batista, Morais Davidianne de Andrade, Falcão Brunna Muniz Rodrigues, Alves Clebert José, Santos Carolina de Sousa Américo Batista, Silva Maria Luana Cristiny Rodrigues, de Azevedo Sérgio Santos
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Global Prevalence of Equine Hepacivirus Equine hepacivirus (EqHV), a flavivirus closely related to human hepatitis C, has emerged as a research focus for understanding chronic viral liver disease in horses, particularly because animal models may offer insights applicable to human HCV management. Bezerra and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies across four continents to establish the global prevalence of RNA-positive horses and identify infection risk factors. The combined prevalence of EqHV infection was 7.88%, with marked geographical variation: Asia showed the highest rates at 16.13%, followed by South America (12.03%), Africa (8.69%), and Europe (3.63%), whilst sex had no significant influence on infection risk (OR 0.98). Management practices—particularly transport and reproductive activities—emerged as indirect risk factors, suggesting that biosecurity protocols and animal movement practices warrant closer examination in infected populations. Given that current data represent only published epidemiological studies and may not reflect true continental prevalence, practitioners should remain alert to emerging evidence, and clinicians encountering horses with unexplained chronic liver disease may benefit from considering EqHV testing, especially in animals with histories of frequent transport or mixed management environments.
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Practical Takeaways
- •EqHV infection is present globally in horse populations at approximately 8% prevalence, with significant regional variation that practitioners should be aware of when assessing disease risk
- •Management practices such as transport and breeding protocols may influence infection risk, suggesting that biosecurity and hygiene protocols warrant attention in stable management
- •Veterinarians should consider EqHV as a differential diagnosis in horses with liver disease regardless of sex, particularly in populations from high-prevalence regions
Key Findings
- •Combined global prevalence of RNA-positive horses for EqHV is 7.88% (95% CI = 5.23-11.69%) across 23 studies from four continents
- •Asia shows highest prevalence at 16.13%, followed by South America (12.03%), Africa (8.69%), and Europe (3.63%)
- •Sex (female or male) does not significantly influence risk of EqHV infection (OR = 0.98; 95% CI = 0.69-1.39)
- •Animal management practices including transport and reproductive practices are indirectly associated with EqHV infection risk